Dolphin Stories

At left, Dr. Pestello with the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the Very Reverend Father Adolfo Nicolás Pachón, S.J., S.T.D.

While in Europe, Le Moyne President Fred Pestello, Ph.D., had the distinct honor of meeting with leadership of the Society of Jesus and the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education. Among the highlights was a two-hour meeting with the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the Very Reverend Father Adolfo Nicolás Pachón, S.J., S.T.D., and one of his key associates, the Reverend James Grummer, S.J., Regional Assistant for the USA Assistancy.

Meeting in their offices as the Jesuit Curia in Rome, Fr. General Nicolás, Fr. Grummer and Dr. Pestello discussed a number of topics, including Le Moyne's ongoing efforts to strengthen its Catholic and Jesuit mission. They were particularly interested in the College's OneLeMoyne process and requested copies of the final documents, which they believe will be helpful to have as an example of how a U.S. Jesuit college is structuring an inclusive process that reflects upon its mission as it charts its future.

Also discussed was Ex corde Ecclesiae, the Apostolic Constitution regarding Catholic higher education issued by Pope John Paul II. Following the meeting, the Reverend William Oulvey, S.J., USA Regional Secretary, took Dr. Pestello on a tour of the Curia.

Dr. Pestello next met at the Roman Curia in the offices of the Congregation for Catholic Education, the office that is responsible for Catholic seminaries, colleges, and high schools. One of the most significant documents to be drafted by the office is Ex corde Ecclesiae and they are now contemplating a revision of that document for Pope Benedict’s consideration. Here he met with Archibishop Jean‐Louis Bruguès, O.P., Secretary of the Congregation, who is the second highest official of that dicastery, and also the Reverend Eric Zimmer, S.J., who is the liaison to English‐speaking Catholic colleges, seminaries, and high schools.